Friction-driven rotary cleaning apparatus with cooperative complementary tool means

ABSTRACT

This disclosure depicts a number of embodiments of floor and ground cleaning apparatus having a friction-driven cylindrical brush and in cooperative relationship therewith complementary tool means. In one embodiment disclosed a pair of fixed brushes mounted in forwardly canted attitude adjacent the sides of the cylindrical brush sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to the cylindrical brush into the path thereof. Other embodiments depict complementary tool means in the form of a shovel blade, a squeegee and full-length fixed brush. Various arrangements for supporting and methods of operating the complementary tool means in cooperation with the cylindrical brush are disclosed.

United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,859,683

Coult Jan. 14, 1975 l l FRICTION-DRIVEN ROTARY CLEANING APPARATUS WITH COOPERATIVE COMPLEMENTARY TOOL MEANS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Germany 56/400.14

Primary ExaminerEdward L. Roberts [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure depicts a number of embodiments of floor and ground cleaning apparatus having a frictiondriven cylindrical brush and in cooperative relationship therewith complementary tool means. In one embodiment disclosed a pair of fixed brushes mounted in forwardly canted attitude adjacent the sides of the cylindrical brush sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to the cylindrical brush into the path thereof. Other embodiments depict complementary tool means in the form of a shovel blade, a squeegee and full-length fixed brush. Various arrangements for supporting and methods of operating the complemen tary tool means in cooperation with the cylindrical brush are disclosed.

14 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures PATENTED M975 3, 859 883 saw u [if s PATENTED JAN 1 41975 SHEET '5 0F 5 FRICTION-DRIVEN ROTARY CLEANING APPARATUS WITH COOPERATIVE COMPLEMENTARY TOOL MEANS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application relates to but is not dependent upon my copending application Ser. No. 117,937, filed Feb. 23, 1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The prior art expounds many friction-driven rotary brush devices for cleaning streets, floors, and other surfaces. All within my knowledge have limited utility and are heavy, unwieldy, and otherwise generally unsuited for relatively light industrial and outdoor household cleaning.

None have useful complementary tool means which cooperate with a primary rotary cylindrical brush for enhancing the utility of the cylindrical brush. A US Pat. to May-No. 1,014,404 shows a relatively heavy friction-driven sweeping device which includes a rotary brush combined with a rake. A handle for the device may be removed and moved to an alternate position to select for operation either the brush or the rake. The rake provides an alternate function to the sweeping function of the brush, but is not in operation or intended function cooperative with or complementary to the rotary brush.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide improved cleaning apparatus for cleaning patios, sidewalks, driveways, industrial floors, and the like which has very high cleaning efficiency, and which is extremely lightweight, compact, maneuverable, and generally easy and convenient to use.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide such cleaning apparatus having a rotated cylindrical brush and complementary tool means adapted to cooperate with the cylindrical brush to enhance the utility of the apparatus.

It is another object to provide manually operated ground and floor cleaning apparatus which is, in various versions, capable of moving liquids, performing light shoveling, pushing dirt and debris, and/or performing other functions complementary to a basic sweeping function performed by a friction-driven rotary brush.

It is yet another object to provide such cleaning apparatus having an extremely strong yet lightweight multiple function housing making possible in part the achievement of the above-stated objects of lightness, compactness, and general ease and convenience of use.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part become apparent as the following description proceeds. The features of novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of

a cleaning device embodying this invention;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bracket constituting part of the FIG. 1 device;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the FIG. 1 device;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the FIGS. l-2 device showing complementary fixed brushes in an inoperative position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the fixed brushes in an operative position;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are fragmentary schematic perspective and end views of a second embodiment of the invention similar to the FIGS. l-4 embodiment, but including a complementary tool in the form of a shovel blade;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate other complementary tool means which may be substituted for the shovel blade shown in the FIGS. 5-6 embodiment;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective and end views of another embodiment of the invention including a manually operable complementary tool means in the form of a shovel blade device;

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly broken away, of the FIGS. 7-8 device;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view part of the FIGS. 7-8 device;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modification of the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment wherein a fixed brush is employed as a complementary tool in lieu of a shovel blade;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of an alternative to the FIGS. 7-9 and FIG. III embodiments; the FIG. 11 embodiment comprises a complementary tool means, here shown as a squeegee, which is pivotally mounted on a housing for the device for movement between operative and inoperative positions;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, highly schematic end elevational view of yet another embodiment in which the cylindrical brush and a pair of drive wheels are mounted coaxially and wherein complementary tool means is rigidly attached to a housing for the device behind the cylindrical brush;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of an embodiment of the device having two .modes of operation a first upright" mode wherein operation of a friction-driven rotary brush is favored, and a second inverted mode wherein operation of a complementary tool is favored;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are fragmentary front and end elevational views of and end of the FIG. 13 device, showing the device in its upright mode of operation;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the opposite end of the FIGS. 13-15 device, showing the device in its inverted mode of operation; and

FIGS. 17, l8, l9, and 20 illustrate alternative complementary tool means which are intended to be substituted for the fixed brush in the FIGS. 13-16 embodiment, but which may be adapted to be incorporated in others of the embodiments depicted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a sweeping device 10 representing one of the many devices contemplated for implementing the principles of this invention. The device 10 is illustrated as including a support structure in the form of a housing 12 which supports for rotation a cylindrical brush 14 having a shaft 15. The housing 12 is shown as being of stamped sheet metal construction, but alternatively may be of molded plastic or other suitable constructions.

The device includes a pair of wheels 16, 17 having stub axles 18, 19. The wheels 16, 17 are shown as each including a hub 20 having a peripheral depression for receiving an elastic tire 22 of high friction material.

Transmission means are provided for coupling at least one of the wheels 16, 17 and the brush shaft such that rotation of the wheels effects an opposite rotation of the brush 14. In the FIGS. 14 embodiment the transmission means is shown as taking the form of a pair of spur gears 24, 26. Spur gear 24 may be affixed, for example, on the stub axle 19 of wheel 17, or alternatively, as shown, the wheel 17, stub axle 19, and spur gear 24 may be injection molded from a suitable plastic material as a unitary structure. Spur gear 26, which may also be of a molded plastic construction, is mounted on the brush shaft 15. The spur gear 26 is here shown as being formed as an integral part of a hollow sleeve which is interference fit upon the end of the brush shaft 15.

The brush 14 is here shown as being of a construction known as twisted-in wire; however, the brush may be of the tufted-axle, or strip types or of any other suitable construction.

The construction and functions of the housing 12 will now be discussed in detaiLThe housing 12 has a number of significant functions. First, it provides a rigid but lightweight exoskeleton for the device and includes support means which rotatably support the ends of the brush shaft 15 and the stub axles 18, 19 carrying the wheels 16, 17. More particularly, the housing 12 includes a longitudinal body portion 34 having a lightweight, thin-walled construction, which may be of suitable molded plastic or, as illustrated, of sheet metal. The body portion 34 of the housing 12 has substantial curvature in planes transverse to the brush shaft 15 to provide rigidity without a high weight factor.

The housing 12 has a pair of end walls 38, 40 extending forwardly from the longitudinal body portion 34 of the housing 12. Support means are provided to rotatably support the cylindrical brush 14 and the stub axles 18, 19 of wheels 16, 17. In the illustrated embodiment the support means comprises brackets 42, 44 which may be affixed to the body portion 34 of the housing 12 by welding, with rivets or other fasteners or by any other suitable means (see particularly FIG. 1A which illustrates clearly the bracket 44). The brackets 42, 44 comprise back portions from which extend forwardly arms 45, 46, and 47, 48, respectively.

The arms 45 48 have apertures (49, 50 in bracket 44) which receive and serve as bearings for stub axles 18, 19 on wheels 16, 17. An aperture 52 in each of the arms 46, 47 support for rotation the ends of brush shaft 15.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the brackets 42, 44 support the wheels 16, 17 on a common wheel axis 50 located forwardly of and parallel with the brush shaft 15.

A handle 54 for the device 10 is connected to the housing 12 such that the handle and the housing 12 pivot together about the common wheel axis 50. By the described construction, elevational adjustment of the handle 54 effects an adjustment of the interference between the brush and the surface being cleaned. A user may thus control the bite of the brush 14 instantaneously and continuouslywhile operating the brush to compensate for variations in characteristics of the debris being swept and of the surface being cleaned.

By locating the wheel axis 50 forwardly of the brush shaft 15, adjustment ofthe handle height effects an adjustment in a like direction of the brush 14. For example, lowering the handle produces a natural lowering of the brush 14, making adjustment of the brush bite a very natural maneuver.

In addition to providing structural rigidity for the device and supporting the brush l4 and wheels l6, 17 for rotation, the housing 12 also serves to shield the user from flying debris, especially if the device should be pulled backwards so as to cause the brush 14 to rotate in the reverse direction. The housing 12, by virtue of its wrap-around construction provides a rear support edge 56 which protects the brush, for example, in a situation where an elevated patio is being cleaned and one wheel runs off an edge of the patio.

Friction-driven cleaning apparatus including novel exoskeletal support means, as described briefly above, is an invention of mine disclosed and claimed separately in the above-referenced copending application.

In accordance with this invention the device 10 includes complementary tool means for use in cooperation with the cylindrical brush 14. In the illustrated FIGS. 1-4 embodiment the tool means comprises a pair of fixed brushed 60, 61, one at each end of the housing 12, for sweeping dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to the cylindrical brush 14 into the path thereof.

Brushes 60, 61 are illustrated as being supported by portions of arms 45, 46 and 47, 48, respectively, which extend beyond the wheel axis 50. A great variety of other support arrangements for the tool means are within the purview of this invention.

Arms 45-48 are constructed and arranged to support the fixed brushes 60, 61 canted divergently forwardly at like angles with respect to the brush shaft 15. The brushes 60, 61 are preferably each of a length and so mounted as to extend from the associated extremity of housing 12 to or beyond the near margin of the effective path of the cylindrical brush 14. By this arrangement, dirt and debris which is close to a wall, for example, or otherwise laterally beyond reach of the cylindrical brush 14, can be swept inwardly into the path of the brush 14.

The brushes 60, 61 are preferably of any of the conventional strip-type constructions, but may take any of a great variety of forms appropriate to the described purpose and functions thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates the device in a mode of operation wherein the fixed brushes 60, 61 are held off the surface being cleaned and are thus inoperative. In the FIG. 4 attitude the cylindrical brush 14 alone is operative. FIG. 5 shows the device in a mode of operation wherein the fixed brushes 60, 61, as well as the cylindrical brush 14, are in operative engagement with the surface being cleaned. In this mode of operation the cylindrical brush 14 and the fixed brushes 60, 61 operate simultaneously and in close cooperation, the fixed brushes 60, 61 sweeping laterally disposed dirt and debris into the path of the cylindrical brush 14 for projection thereby.

It is contemplated that for certain applications it may be desirable that the brushes cooperate by operation in alternation. In such an arrangement, the fixed brushes 60, 61 would be elevated somewhat from the relative position shown in FIGS. 1-4 and the cylindrical brush 14 and the fixed brushes 60, 61 would be operated cooperatively by reciprocating the device while adjusting the handle height to alternately favor the cylindrical brush 14 and fixed brushes 60, 61. Alternatively, end portions of the arms 45 48 may be rendered adjustable to allow selection of the height of brushes 60, 61 and thus the handle elevation at which the brushes 60, 61 become operative. Such an adjustable arrangement would allow selection of either of these cooperative methods of operation (simultaneous or alternation). In either of these methods, the brushes 60, 61 are supported such that they engage the surface being cleaned at a predetermined handle elevation which is at least as great as the minimum handle elevation at which the cylindrical brush 14 is operative.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modification of the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment wherein the complementary tool means, here illustrates as a shovel blade 72, is rigidly supported by arms 74, 76, 78, and 80 so as to extend across substantially the full length of the housing. In other respects, the FIGS. 5-6 embodiment may be constructed generally as described above with respect to the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment.

The shovel blade 72 is preferably relatively narrow in order not to block a significant amount of the dirt and debris thrown by the cylindrical brush 14. Any projected dirt and debris which is obstructed by the blade 72 will fall into the path of the brush l4 and will be re moved thereby.

In certain applications it may not be important that the cylindrical brush l4 operate while complementary tool is being used. For example, to move cinders into a collection pan with complementary tool means such as a fixed brush or shovel blade, it may be desirable to deactivate the cylindrical brush 14' completely. This is easily accomplished by raising the handle 54 until the brush 14' disengages the surface or further until the drive wheels become disengaged from the surface being cleaned.

As will become evident from the above and from the ensuing description of other embodiments of the invention, the shovel blade 72 may be replaced by other tool means such as a full-length squeegee (see FIG. 6A) or a full-length fixed brush (see FIG. 6B).

It is contemplated that the support arrangement for the complementary tool means disclosed in the FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 5-6 embodiments may be modified such that any of a variety of complementary tool means may be substituted or interchanged at will or removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement.

Another version (not shown) of the FIGS. 14 apparatus may comprise a coaxial arrangement of wheels, cylindrical brush, and transmission. The complementary tool means is mounted forwardly of the cylindrical brush, as shown in the above-described embodiments. The diameter of the cylindrical brush is necessarily larger than the diameter of the wheels in this version. In such a coaxial arrangement the cylindrical brush is operative at all times; to engage the complementary tool, the handle is elevated to a position wherein it becomes operatively engaged with the surface being cleaned. The structure and operation of the described coaxial version will be discussed in more detail in connection with the description below of the FIG. 12 embodiment.

FIGS. 7-9 depict a sweeping device representing yet another embodiment of the invention. Like the FIGS. l-4 embodiment the FIGS. 7-9 device 80 comprises a cylindrical brush 82 and a friction drive train which includes a pair of wheels, one of which is shown at 84, and a pair of spur gears 86, 88. Gear 86 is affixed to wheel 84 (or may be molded integrally therewith; gear 88 is attached to the shaft 90 of brush 82.

Wheel 84 and its left end counterpart (not shown) are supported for rotation on shafts, one of which is shown at 92, which comprise part of a support structure for the device 80.

More particularly, the support structure of device 80 comprises a frame 94 which is rigidly affixed to (or an integral part of) a socket 96 for receiving a handle 98 for the device 80. Near each of its free ends, the frame 94 is reverse bent to produce at the extremities, the shafts 92. The unit comprising wheel 84 and gear 86 has a central bore which receives the shaft 92 and is free to rotate thereon.

A multi-purpose housing 100, which may be of stamped sheet metal, for example, is attached to the frame 94by welds, rivets or any other suitable method of connection. The housing 100 hasa number of functions which include: (1) shielding the user from flying dirt and debris; (2) adding structural rigidity (due to its curvature in planes transverse to the brush shaft 90) so as to allow the use of a lighter weight, less costly frame 94; (3) protecting the brush 82, wheels 84, and gears 86, 88; and (4) serving as a support for a pair of members, one of which is shown at 102, which function to support for rotation the ends of brush shaft 90. In the illustrated embodiment the members 102 take the form of thin walls fabricated, for example, from stamped sheet metal, which are fastened to forward and rear edges 104, 106 of the housing 100 by friction-fit clips, one of which is shown at 108. A flexible or rigid trim strip (not shown) may be snapped on the edges 104, 106, if desired, to hide the clips 108 and serve as a bumper for the device 80.

End walls for the housing 100, one of which is shown at 110, each have an aperture for passing a shaft 92. The end walls 110 and brush-supporting members 102 cooperate to form opensided chambers which provide some protection and dirt shielding for the transmission (gears 86, 88) and the wheels 84.

In accordance with an aspect of this invention, cleaning apparatus is provided which includes pivotal mounting means for mounting complementary tool means so as to pivot between an operative position engaged with the surface being cleaned and an inoperative position disengaged from the surface, and manually operable means for selectively moving the tool means between the operative and inoperative positions.

The illustrated FIGS. 7-9 embodiment includes a complementary tool means, shown by way of example as taking the form of a shovel blade 112, which is pivotally mounted on the device 80 by means ofa pair oflike arm members, one of which is shown at 114, which are journaled on shaft 92 of frame 94.

Manually operable means for moving the shovel blade 112 between inoperative and operative positions (as shown, for example, in unbroken and broken lines, respectively, in FIG. 8) is illustrated as comprising a bell crank lever 118 connected to the arms 114 by means of a connecting rod 120.

The bell crank lever 118 is supported for pivotal movement on the handle 98 by a pin 128. Connecting rod 120 has a by-pass 122 around pin 128 and a right angle end termination 124 which is received in an aperture 125 in the crank lever 118. A stop 126 limits the movement of the lever 118 when the tool is in its operative position.

To lock the tool (here shovel blade 112) in its inoperative position, the bell crank lever 118 is rotated toward the user until the pivot axis provided by termination 124 in aperture 125 passes overcenter against the bias provided by the resilience of the branch arms 129, 130.

To lock the tool in its operative position, the lever is rotated away from the user until the said pivot axis passes over center against the bias provided by arms 129, 130 and the stop 126 abuts the connecting rod 120.

The shovel blade 112 is limited in its movement into its operative position by the abutment of tabs (one of which is shown at 131) with the housing. The shovel blade 112 is limited in its operative position by the abutment of the connecting rod 120 with the housing 100.

FIG. depicts another embodiment which, like the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment, includes a complementary tool mounted forwardly of the brush 82 for selective movement between an operative position ahead of the brush 82 and an inoperative position above the surface and forwardly of the brush 82. The FIG. 10 embodiment teaches that other tool means such as a fixed strip brush 136 may be substituted in the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment for the shovel blade 112.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment which has a general construction as described above, but teaches the concept of a manually operable tool means which is mounted rearwardly of a friction-driven cylindrical brush 138 and which is selectively movable between an operative position rearwardly of the cylindrical brush 138 and an inoperative position above the surface being cleaned and behind the brush 138.

In the illustrated FIG. 11 device, the tool means is shown, by way of example, as taking the form of a brush 140. The brush is mounted to pivot on a pair of tabs extending from a housing 142 for the device, one of which tabs is shown at 144. The tabs 144 may be affixed or form part of the housing 142, or may comprise a part of a bracket such as is shown at 44 in the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment which extends through an opening in the housing 142.

A connecting rod 145 is pivotally joined to the brush 140. The brush 140 is shown in unbroken lines in its operative position and in broken lines in its inoperative position.

Manually operable means for engaging and disengaging the tool may be constructed similar to the manually operable means in FIGS. 7-9 (but mounted on the underside of the handle); a variety of other constructions for the manually operable means are within the purview of this invention.

FIG. 12 discloses yet another embodiment in which a pair of wheels, one of which is shown at 146, is supported coaxially with a cylindrical brush 148 of larger diameter than the wheels 146. A coaxial transmission, shown schematically at 150, couples the wheels 146 and the brush 148. A coaxial transmission as described in US. Pat. No. 2,145,738 may be employed.

A tool, here shown as a fixed strip brush 152, is rigidly affixed to a housing 154 for the device so as to extend downwardly beyond a lower edge 156 of the housing 154.

Because the cylindrical brush 148 is of larger diameter than the wheels 146, the brush is operative at all times and irrespective of the elevation of a handle 158 for the device. To bring the strip brush 152 into simultaneous and cooperative coaction with the cylindrical brush 148, the user merely lowers the handle 158 to a predetermined handle elevation which is effective to engage the brush 152 with the surface being cleaned. It is contemplated that other tool means may be substituted for or rendered interchangeable with the strip brush 152. The fixed brush 152 may be used, inter alia, for moving collected debris into a collection pan (not shown). The collection pan may be held by the users free hand behind the device as the user pulls the device backward to push the debris into the pan.

As suggested above in connection with the descrip tion of the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment, another embodiment of the invention (not shown) comprises apparatus similar to the FIG. 12 embodiment but having tool means (such as the fixed wing-like brushes 60, 61 in FIGS. 14) supported forwardly of the cylindrical brush 148 (FIG. 12). Raising the handle 158 to a predetermined elevation would place the tool means in simultaneous cooperative coaction with the cylindrical brush 148.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate a sweeping device 160 representing yet another of the many devices contemplated for implementing the principles of this invention. The general construction of the device 160 may be similar, for example, to the FIGS. 14 embodiment; however, in accordance with an aspect of this invention, the device 160 is so constructed and arranged as to be operative in two attitudes a first attitude wherein a friction-driven cylindrical brush engages the surface to be cleaned, and an inverted second attitude wherein tool means complementary to the cylindrical brush 14 is in operative engagement with the surface.

The device 160 is illustrated as including an exoskeletal support structure in the form of a rigid housing 162 which supports for rotation a cylindrical brush 164 having a shaft 165 and a pair of wheels 166, 168 having stub axles 170, 172. Transmission means is shown as taking the form ofa pair of spur gears 174, 176. To the achievement of the same ends discussed above, the housing 162 includes a longitudinal body portion 178 having a light-weight, thin-walled construction, which may be of suitable molded plastic or sheet metal. The body portion 178 of the housing 162 has substantial curvature in planes transverse to the brush shaft 165 to provide rigidity without a high weight factor.

The housing 162 has a pair of end walls 180, 182 extending forwardly from the longitudinal body portion 178 of the housing. A pair of brackets 184, 186 rotatably support the wheels 166, 168 and brush 164.

A handle 188 for the device 160 is connected to the housing 162 such that the handle 188 and the housing 162 pivot together about a common wheel axis. As in the FIGS. 14 embodiment, elevational adjustment of the handle effects an adjustment of the bite of the brush 164.

As suggested above, in accordance with an aspect of this invention, the device is operative in two attitudes. In a first attitude (shown in FIG. 15) herein termed its upright attitude for convenience of explanation, the cylindrical brush 164 is operative. In a second inverted attitude (shown in FIG. 16) tool means complementary to the cylindrical brush is in operative engagement with the surface being cleaned.

In the illustrated FIGS. 13-16 embodiment the tool means is shown as taking the form of a fixed strip-type brush 190. The fixed brush 190 complements the cylindrical brush by providing means for: (1) moving heavy accumulations of dirt and debris, for example piled cinders on roadways in early spring, or (2) moving debris in a closely controllable manner, as onto a collection pan in applications wherein collection might be desired, or (3) moving light snow or other accumulations in conditions wherein traction for the wheels 166, 168 might be poor, or (4) in situations wherein it may be desirable to collect dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to the cylindrical brush 164, for example closely adjacent a wall or other complementary functions for the fixed brush 190 areevident.

The brush 190 is depicted as being attached to the housing 162 for the device 160 and extending across substantially the full length of the housing 162. The brush 190 has bristles 192 extending a distance forwardly which is sufficient that when the device 160 is in its inverted attitude, the bristles 192 will engage the surface at a handle elevation which is comfortable for the average user. The complementary tool means, in addition to performing the described functions, serves as a dust shield over the cylindrical brush 164 when the brush 164 is in operation.

The illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 13-16 is constructed such that the described first and second operating attitudes are effectively angularly displaced (around the common axis of wheels 166, 168) by an angle A (see FIG. 16), here shown as being substantially 90. As shown in FIG. 16, the handle elevation in the upright attitude is denoted by angle B and in the inverted attitude by angle C. The sum of the angles A, B, and C equals 180.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment the elevation of the handle 188 is the same in both operating attitudes. This is accomplished by setting angle B equal to angle C (each 45 in the FIGS. 13-16 embodiment).

For some applications it may be desirable that the handle elevation for one operating attitude be different than the handle elevation for the other attitude. Such may be accomplished by varying the angle at which the handle is joined to the housing until the handle elevation angles A and B yield the desired results.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate other exemplary tool means which may be substituted for, or rendered interchangeable with, the fixed brush 190. The FIG. 17 tool is a fixed brush 194 similar to the fixed brush 190 in the FIGS. 13-16 embodiment, but having a pair of forwardly canted wings 196, 198 at the opposite ends of a central portion 200 of the brush 194. The wings 196, 198 are designed to sweep dirt which is laterally inaccessible to the cylindrical brush 164 inwardly into the path thereof.

FIG. 18 illustrates a squeegee which may be employed to move or spread water or other fluids across a surface. FIG. 19 illustrates a tool in the form of a shovel blade for moving accumulations of cinders, sand, light snow and the like which are too heavy for the cylindrical brush 164 to remove or which are cated on surfaces providing poor traction for the drive wheels 166, 168.

FIG. 20 shows a shovel blade which may be incorporated in the device as an integral part of the housing 162 therefor.

The invention is not limited to the particular details of construction of the embodiments depicted, and it is contemplated that various and other modifications and applications will occur to those skilled in the art.

For example, constructions, features, and arrange ments shown and/or described in connection with certain of the above-discussed embodiments may be adapted for incorporation in other of the embodiments depicted or in embodiments suggested by the abovedescribed embodiments.

Therefore, because certain changes may be made in the above-described product without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that the subject matter of the above depiction shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

As used herein, the term stub axle" is intended to mean any means for supporting for rotation a single wheel or equivalent surface friction-driven member, as opposed, for example, to a transverse axle which might extend across a device for supporting a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the device. Thus, the shafts 92 in the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment are intended to be construed as stub axles.

Whereas the above depiction stresses the use of a rotary cleaning tool in the form of a cylindrical brush having bristles extending from a central shaft, the use of other surface-treating tools capable of rotary operation in lieu thereof is within the compass of this invention and such tools are intended to be considered as equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. Ground and floor cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a cylindrical brush having bristles extending from a central shaft;

a drive train comprising:

friction-driven means comprising a pair of wheels carried on stub axles one at each end of said cylindrical brush, said wheels being rotatable by frictional forces when said apparatus is moved across a surface being cleaned, and transmission means for coupling said wheels to said brush shaft such that rotation of said wheels effects rotation of said cylindrical brush;

housing means for rotatably supporting both ends of said brush shaft and for rotatably supporting said stub axles on a common wheel axis forwardly of said brush shaft, said housing means having a thinwalled longitudinal body portion partially surrounding said brush to protect said brush and shield a user from flying debris, said body portion having substantial curvature in planes transverse to said brush shaft to provide structural rigidity for said housing means;

handle means joined to said housing means; and

complementary tool means for use in cooperation with said cylindrical brush, said tool means being carried by said housing means above said wheel axis and so as to extend forwardly from and beyond said housing means, said brush, said wheels, and said housing means being constructed and arranged such that said apparatus is operative in two attitudes in a first attitude wherein said cylindrical brush engages said surface and wherein elevational adjustment of said handle effects an adjustment of the interference between said brush and the surface being cleaned, and an inverted second attitude wherein said complementary tool means is in operative engagement with said surface.

2. The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said complementary tool means includes a fixed brush means mounted on at least one end of said housing means to extend divergently forwardly when said apparatus is in said second attitude, said fixed brush means being operable to sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to said cylindrical brush into a position wherein it is accessible thereto.

3. The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said tool means extends substantially the full length of said housing means.

4. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a fixed brush.

5. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a squeegee.

6. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a shovel blade.

7. The apparatus defined by claim 6 wherein said shovel blade is formed integrally with said housing means.

8. Ground and floor cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a cylindrical brush having bristles extending from a central shaft;

a drive train comprising:

friction-driven means rotatable by frictional forces when said apparatus is moved across a surface being cleaned, and

transmission means for coupling said frictiondriven means to said brush shaft such that rotation of said friction-driven means effects rotation of said cylindrical brush;

housing means for rotatably supporting both ends of said brush shaft and for supporting said frictiondriven means for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of said brush shaft; handle means joined to said housing means, elevational adjustment of said handle effecting an adjustment of the interference between said cylindrical brush and the surface being cleaned; and

complementary tool means for use in cooperation with said cylindrical brush, said tool means being supported on said housing above said brush so as to extend forwardly when said brush is in operation, said apparatus being selectively operable in a first attitude wherein said brush is in operative engagement with the surface or in an inverted attitude wherein said tool means is in operative engagement with the surface.

9. The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said complementary tool means includes a fixed brush means mounted on at least one end of said housing means to extend divergently forwardly when said apparatus is in said second attitude, said fixed brush means being operable to sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to said cylindrical brush into a position wherein it is accessible thereto.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said tool means extends substantially the full length of said housing means.

11. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a fixed brush 12. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a squeegee.

13. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a shovel blade. I

14. The apparatus defined by claim 13 wherein said shovel blade is formed integrally with said housing means. 

1. Ground and floor cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cylindrical brush having bristles extending from a central shaft; a drive train comprising: friction-driven means comprising a pair of wheels carried on stub axles one at each end of said cylindrical brush, said wheels being rotatable by frictional forces when said apparatus is moved across a surface being cleaned, and transmission means for coupling said wheels to said brush shaft such that rotation of said wheels effects rotation of said cylindrical brush; housing means for rotatably supporting both ends of said brush shaft and for rotatably supporting said stub axles on a common wheel axis forwardly of said brush shaft, said housing means having a thin-walled longitudinal body portion partially surrounding said brush to protect said brush and shield a user from flying debris, said body portion having substantial curvature in planes transverse to said brush shaft to provide structural rigidity for said housing means; handle means joined to said housing means; and complementary tool means for use in cooperation with said cylindrical brush, said tool means being carried by said housing means above said wheel axis and so as to extend forwardly from and beyond said housing means, said brush, said wheels, and said housing means being constructed and arranged such that said apparatus is operative in two attitudes - in a first attitude wherein said cylindrical brush engages said surface and wherein elevational adjustment of said handle effects an adjustment of the interference between said brush and the surface being cleaned, and an inverted second attitude wherein said complementary tool means is in operative engagement with said surface.
 2. The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said complementary tool means includes a fixed brush means mounted on at least one end of said housing means to extend divergently forwardly when said apparatus is in said second attitude, said fixed brush means being operable to sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to said cylindrical brush into a position wherein it is accessible thereto.
 3. The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said tool means extends substantially the full length of said housing means.
 4. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a fixed brush.
 5. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a squeegee.
 6. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein said tool means comprises a shovel blade.
 7. The apparatus defined by claim 6 wherein said shovel blade is formed integrally with said housing means.
 8. Ground and floor cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cylindrical brush having bristles extending from a central shaft; a drive train comprising: friction-driven means rotatable by frictional forces when said apparatus is moved across a surface being cleaned, and transMission means for coupling said friction-driven means to said brush shaft such that rotation of said friction-driven means effects rotation of said cylindrical brush; housing means for rotatably supporting both ends of said brush shaft and for supporting said friction-driven means for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of said brush shaft; handle means joined to said housing means, elevational adjustment of said handle effecting an adjustment of the interference between said cylindrical brush and the surface being cleaned; and complementary tool means for use in cooperation with said cylindrical brush, said tool means being supported on said housing above said brush so as to extend forwardly when said brush is in operation, said apparatus being selectively operable in a first attitude wherein said brush is in operative engagement with the surface or in an inverted attitude wherein said tool means is in operative engagement with the surface.
 9. The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said complementary tool means includes a fixed brush means mounted on at least one end of said housing means to extend divergently forwardly when said apparatus is in said second attitude, said fixed brush means being operable to sweep dirt and debris which is laterally inaccessible to said cylindrical brush into a position wherein it is accessible thereto.
 10. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said tool means extends substantially the full length of said housing means.
 11. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a fixed brush.
 12. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a squeegee.
 13. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said tool means comprises a shovel blade.
 14. The apparatus defined by claim 13 wherein said shovel blade is formed integrally with said housing means. 